Light Shop Ep 7-8 review: Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young and Uhm Tae Goo’s thriller ends on frustrating twist

Light Shop, starring Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, Um Tae Goo, and more, has released the final episodes. Read on to find out if it is worth the watch.

By Hrishita Das

Updated on Dec 19, 2024 | 04:11 PM IST | 31.7K

Light Shop poster: courtesy of Disney+

Light Shop, the newly released South Korean series, has garnered significant attention for its unique and compelling storyline. With the release of its final episode, the show has successfully addressed many lingering questions while simultaneously leaving viewers with just as many intriguing uncertainties.

The series features an all-star cast, including Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, and Uhm Tae Goo. Adapted from Kang Full’s webtoon Shop of the Lamp, the show is written by him, who is also behind the hit series Moving. The story centers around a mysterious light shop, frequented by various individuals, where eerie and unsettling occurrences unfold.

Name: Light Shop
Premiere date: December 4, 2024
Cast: Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, Seolhyun, Bae Sung Woo, Um Tae Goo, Lee Jung Eun, Kim Min Ha, Shin Eun Soo, Park Hyuk Kwon, Kim Sun Hwa, and Kim Ki Hae.
Director: Kim Hee Won
Screenwriter: Kang Full
Number of episodes: 8
Genre: Thriller, Supernatural, Mystery, Psychological, Drama
Where to watch: Disney+

Watch the Light Shop teaser

Light Shop plot

The series tells the story of a diverse group of strangers, each grappling with the emotional weight of a devastating event from their past. Despite their efforts to continue living normal lives, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to a peculiar light shop tucked away at the end of a dark, eerie alley.

The shop, which seems almost otherworldly, is guarded by a reserved and enigmatic shopkeeper who watches over it with great care. As the characters delve deeper into the shop’s mysterious allure, they begin to suspect that it may hold the answers to the unresolved questions of their past as well as the key to shaping their present and future.

Light Shop Episode 5-6 recap

In Episode 5, the mystery of how all the characters ended up in the same hospital room is finally unraveled. It is revealed that their tragic circumstances were caused by the negligence of a local bus driver, whose recklessness led to the accident that altered their lives. The episode also provides glimpses into the characters' backgrounds, giving the audience a deeper understanding of the challenges and delusions they faced in their altered states.

As the story progresses, it begins to untangle the lingering confusion. Many characters are shown grappling with their lost sense of direction, striving to reconnect with reality through the enigmatic light shop. Adding to the intrigue, the mystery deepens further when the owner, Jung Won Young, is revealed to have cat-like eyes, raising even more questions about his true identity.

Light Shop episode 7-8 review

In Episode 7, Ju Ji Hoon’s role as the enigmatic light shopkeeper is finally unveiled, offering viewers a deeper understanding of his character. It is revealed that he too was once in the same position as those who now seek refuge in the light shop. After losing his life, he made a trade with the previous owner, taking on the mantle of the shopkeeper and becoming a guide who helps wandering souls find peace. His emotional backstory is profoundly moving and resonates deeply with the audience.

The narrative progresses as the loved ones of the victims attempt to guide them toward their “light.” The light shop serves as both a connection and a powerful symbol of each victim’s will to survive and move forward. Meanwhile, the bus driver is shown traveling from place to place, working tirelessly to help each victim reach the light shop in an effort to clear his conscience.

However, the story takes an unexpected twist when Lee Ji Young, despite helping Hyun Min find his light and return to life, refuses to move forward herself. Her resentment stems from Hyun Min’s complete loss of memory about her, which leaves her soul unable to find peace. This heart-wrenching turn adds complexity to the finale, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Light Shop performances

Ju Ji Hoon effectively creates intrigue with his performance, which elevates his role. His portrayal adds layers of mystery to the narrative, captivating the audience. Park Bo Young, on the other hand, effortlessly embodies her character, seamlessly blending into the story from the very beginning. Her portrayal remains reliable and engaging, showcasing her depth as an actor.

Kim Seol Hyun, who portrays a desperate lover determined to save her partner time and again, delivers a performance marked by emotional depth and an unsettling intensity that is both compelling and haunting. Uhm Tae Goo complements her brilliantly with his commanding on-screen presence, using nuanced expressions to heighten the tense atmosphere while adding depth to their chemistry.

Shin Eun Soo also impresses as a high school student navigating confusion and heartbreak, bringing authenticity and vulnerability to her role. Meanwhile, Bae Sung Woo adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative with his multifaceted character, enhancing the story’s complexity. Lee Jung Eun, despite having no dialogues, masterfully heightens the emotional quotient of the show through her evocative presence.